(NECN/ABC) - The third and latest recall by Toyota was announced by the company's president.
Akio Toyoda, Toyota President:
"Earlier today we submitted the recall notifications in regard to four models; the Prius, the Prius plug-in hybrid, the Sai and the HS250h. The notifications are in regard to the braking system employed on those models."
The recall involves removing more than 400,000 Toyota Hybrids from the road, including Lexus and Prius models.
Hans Greimel, Automotive News Asia:
"...the Prius is largely responsible for Toyota's reputation as a green environmentally friendly car company. So to see that the Prius be lumped into this expanding global recall crisis is going to be a blow to Toyota's image."
Akio Toyoda's announcement accompanied his op-ed in the Washington Post, where he laid out a plan to improve safety, and recapture consumer confidence. He is planning to visit U.S. Toyota plants next week.
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Some of those plants, shut down during earlier recalls, have resumed operations.
Rick Hesterberg, Toyota Spokesperson:
"I think people are excited, anxious to get back and get this corrected...People have been calling and saying, 'Hey, hang in there, we know you'll get through it, we still believe in your product and your car.'"
Wall Street is not nearly as confident.
The crisis could lead to the company's credit rating being downgraded. Toyoda is vowing to do better.
The U.S. Dept. of Transportation issued a statement in response to this latest recall, saying its investigation into problems with the Prius continues, and that they remain in contact with Toyota.
ABC's Diana Alvear reports.
